The official blog of UK Forces in Afghanistan, run jointly from London and Helmand.

VIDEO: ANA and British forces in major new operation

Hundreds of Afghan and UK soldiers have joined forces for an operation to take on the Taliban in Afghanistan. Operation Omid Shash — which means Hope Six — is the latest mission aiming to rid parts of Helmand from the influence of the insurgents. Around 800 Afghan National Army troops and 500 British troops took part in the operation, with the Irish Guards and 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment mentoring the Afghans and encouraging them to take the lead.